The George: Modern Living at George Brown College's First Student Residence

TORONTO, Sept. 15, 2016 /CNW/ - George Brown College has entered new territory this year with its first, ultramodern student residence. In addition to being a hub of teaching and applied learning, George Brown College is now also home for 500 students at The George.

"This marks an important milestone in the history of our college," said Anne Sado, President of George Brown College. "The George integrates our mission to prepare students for success both inside and outside of the classroom; building career-ready graduates. It's also a testament to George Brown's ongoing investment and revitalization of Toronto's waterfront."

George Brown has a long history of building and revitalizing communities across Toronto, including opening its Waterfront Campus in 2012. Now, with the addition of its student residence, which initially housed American athletes' during the 2015 Pan Am & Parapan Am Games, the college is once again an anchor resident in a refreshed and remodeled neighbourhood.

"This is a perfect example of what a legacy project of the Pan Am Games looks like for the city. The Athletes Village has transformed from housing Pan Am athletes to now being the residence of the next generation of city leaders from George Brown College," said Mayor John Tory. "George Brown College has been an integral part of Toronto for many years and I congratulate the college on their first residence."

The George is located in the Canary District, close to the college's St. James and Waterfront campuses.

"I am delighted that George Brown College is continuing to enrich the experience of its students with the opening of The George in the riding of Toronto Centre," said The Honourable Glen Murray, Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, and MPP for Toronto-Centre. "This residence builds upon the successful 2015 Pan Am Games and its legacy of positive community infrastructure for our city."

The George was constructed with sustainability in mind, targeting a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) gold certification. It was also designed to extend the learning experience for students, beyond the classroom.

"We are thrilled to add The George to our George Brown community," said Karen Thomson, Vice-President, Marketing, Student Life and Alumni at the college. "The residence experience is about more than a place to live. It's about creating a supportive space for students to socialize, study, collaborate and to develop essential soft-skills like teamwork, communication and problem-solving."

At The George, students not only have modern living spaces to call home, but they also have the opportunity to participate in programming designed to enhance their soft skills – those traits and attributes used when interacting with others. Group cooking classes, study sessions, sports nights, and various other activities will support the development of the soft skills employers value most, such as teamwork and communication skills. Fully accessible lounge spaces on each floor are also designed to facilitate collaboration with areas for group meals, fitness spaces, and study rooms featuring beautiful views of the city.

"It's really exciting to be one of the first to live at The George," said Lyla Daniel, second year nursing student at George Brown and a Resident Advisor. "The residence has created a strong community and support system already – people I can lean on while I'm living away from home. It also offers students new opportunities to engage with the college and feel comfortable living in such a large and vibrant city."

Those living at the residence enjoy fully furnished two-bedroom suites complete with a kitchenette and three-piece bathroom, floor to ceiling windows, Wi-Fi, and a flat screen TV with cable service.

Toronto'sGeorge Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three campuses located across the downtown core, and provides housing at its student residence, The George, which opened in Sept. 2016. George Brown offers 152 full-time programs and 243 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to a student body of nearly 29,000 (full-time enrolment) students, including 15 per cent international students; and over 66,000 continuing education registrants. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, postgraduate certificates, apprenticeships and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca